By Farhat Nasim
Ahmedabad: The Chief of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Dr Montu Kumar Patel, has come under the scanner of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a bribery probe linked to the alleged irregular approval of pharmacy colleges across the country. Patel’s residence in Zundal, Ahmedabad was raided by CBI officials as part of a widening investigation into corruption within the PCI.According to various media reports, the raids are tied to allegations that Patel abused his authority in both Delhi and Ahmedabad to illegally approve pharmacy institutes in exchange for bribes. 鈥淧atel has been allegedly receiving bribes in connection with approval of pharmacy institutes and abused his powers both in Delhi and Ahmedabad.鈥滱 senior CBI officer, quoted by Free Press Journal, stated, 鈥淭here is credible evidence that college recognitions were being sold for money under Patel鈥檚 tenure. Fake entries, backdated approvals, and GPSC manipulation are all part of the racket we are now uncovering.鈥滱lthough Patel has not been formally arrested, investigators described the material seized during the raids as 鈥渟ubstantial.鈥 The probe has expanded to examine financial records and regulatory files from his tenure, both at PCI headquarters and regional offices.The investigation is expected to widen to other states, particularly Maharashtra, which has previously reported suspicious recognitions of pharmacy colleges.Also Read: PCI issues Guidelines for Inspections of Pharmacy Institutions for academic year 2024- 2025According to Free Press Journal, authorities are now scrutinizing whether approvals were granted to institutions that failed to meet regulatory norms.Pharmabiz reports that this latest development comes amid mounting concerns over governance in the PCI. Notably, in May this year, the Supreme Court had criticised the Pharmacy Council of India for its regulatory practices, stating there was a 鈥渓ack of application of mind and exercise of powers in an arbitrary manner.”Also Read: SC Slams Pharmacy Council of India over Arbitrary Rejection of Approvals to Pharma CollegesThe PCI, which is the statutory body governing pharmacy education and profession in India, has yet to issue an official statement in response to the raids or the CBI probe.